Chapter 1038


    "Oh, you caught me…" Esther felt James''s breath on her ear, causing a ticklish sensation. "If you


    don''t want to tell, I''ll stop asking."


    It wouldn''t be good if James got angry over this.


    "The first time we met was in Yole City."


    Esther tried to recall her time in Yole City when she was sixteen. Yes, before turning sixteen, she


    had lived there.


    The Sanders family had business in Yole City at the time. Situated in the south, it was a bustling city


    with a hint of tranquility. Their ancestors owned grand historical mansions, and Esther resided in


    one of them during her time in Yole City.


    "But I can''t remember…"


    James nced at her, looking sad. "So you don''t remember me, huh?"


    Esther blushed. No, she had no memory of James and suspected he might be making it up.


    "You were about fourteen and still attending school. One day, on your way there, you bumped into a


    boy. Do you recall?"


    A boy? Esther shook her head.


    "I was out with my parents, and when we arrived in Yole City, I lost sight of them in the crowd. As I


    searched for them, I encountered two human-traffickers. One of them noticed my nice clothes and,


    after some hesitation, he grabbed me and took off."


    James didn''t seem worried; rather, he looked like he was reminiscing.


    "Then, there was a girl on the bridge. I''m not sure why, but I suddenly felt brave and shouted, ''Fatty,


    help me.''"


    Fatty…


    Esther''s awkwardness disappeared, reced by anger. She remembered. She remembered


    everything!


    During puberty, Esther had gained quite a bit of weight, resembling a ball at one point. Despite


    being teased by ssmates, she remained confident. So, when someone called her "fatty," she


    exploded.


    Though only fourteen, she stood at five feet two, nearly the same height as the traffickers. She


    grabbed the woman by her shirt, exuding an air of authority.


    "Hold on, miss," Esther cleared her throat and said coldly, "I need to have a word with this fellow."


    She then shot daggers at him.


    The trafficker wasn''t about to stop, so she waved Esther away.


    "Miss, your child is very rude. He called me fatty. I know I''m a little overweight, but I don''t think that''s


    how he should talk to ady. I need to educate him."


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    That made sense. James was hoping the girl would stall them, buying some time, so he watched


    eagerly as events unfolded.


    The trafficker, realizing the situation was escting, attempted to diffuse it. "It''s just a


    misunderstanding. He''s just a silly kid. I apologize on his behalf…"


    With more people gathering to watch, the trafficker grew increasingly anxious. If the boy''s parents


    appeared, they could end up in serious trouble.


    "No." Esther dered firmly, standing her ground like a tiny hill.